Syracuse, N.Y. -- Welch Allyn CEO Julie Shimer was unanimously confirmed today by the state Senate as chair of the state's top economic development authority, Empire State Development Corp., Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced.

Shimer, of Skaneateles, is the first woman CEO of the medical equipment manufacturer in Skaneateles Falls. She was nominated by Cuomo in March to succeed Dennis Mullen as chair the ESDC board - a part-time, unpaid position. Shimer said at the time that she would continue in her position with Welch Allyn.

"I am honored to be confirmed as the ESDC chair," she said in a statement issued by Cuomo's office. "Under the leadership of Gov. Cuomo, we will work together to restructure our economic development strategy. Attracting and retaining businesses is a key priority and it will lead to increased private investment and jobs throughout New York State. I thank Sens. (John) DeFrancisco, (Michael) Ranzenhofer and (Bill) Perkins for their review and support during my confirmation and I thank Gov. Cuomo for this opportunity to serve the people of New York State."

The confirmation drew praise from Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney.

"Julie is a first-class business woman and New Yorker. She knows the economic strengths and weaknesses throughout the state and I have full confidence that she will play an integral part in getting New York back on the path to prosperity. I applaud Gov. Cuomo his choice and look forward to working with both him and Julie to help create jobs across the state," Mahoney said.

The Senate also confirmed Cuomo's appointment of Howard Milstein as chair of the New York State Thruway Authority.